Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Dark Water by Jenni Holbrook

Lacy DeGeorgio never imagined she’d have to be responsible for anyone but herself. She’s strong, stubborn and fiercely independent. She needs no one. She’s a woman determined to do things her way, on her own. But when a freak boating accident takes her sister Hannah’s life, Lacy finds herself not only back in her hometown of Lake George, New York, but in a custody battle for her eleven-year-old nephew, Andy. Just when things couldn’t get any worse, pesky State Trooper Frank Harmon starts showing up, tearing down all her defenses, making her want things she’s never wanted before. She’ll trust him with her nephew, but can she trust him with her heart?

New York State Trooper Frank Harmon is a man of honor and duty. He’s always done things by the book, believing the law always works in favor of those who uphold it. Until the day he took a domestic disturbance call at the DeGeorgio Trailer, and even though he knew something bad was about to happen, he had to walk away. Two days later, he pulled Hannah DeGeorgio’s body from the icy cold waters of Lake George, changing his life forever. He sets out to make sure Hannah's killer is brought to justice and in the process makes a home for a family he thought he never wanted.

After devouring the first in the New York State Troopers series, In Two Weeks, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the second. Anyone that’s enjoyed good series work knows that the second book is the all important one. Does the level of craftsmanship remain the same? Are the characters relatable? Does it snare you from the start and keep your attention all the way to the finish? The answer to that question is and enthusiastic yes, yes, and yes!

Dark Water is a story that is equally as good as its predecessor, with tons of mystery and suspense. And of course, the sizzling romance that develops along the way.

You’ll root for Lacy, a woman that has taken on a huge responsibility in taking care of her orphaned nephew, Andy. She’s an everyday woman, struggling to survive while caring for a child. But she’s also incredibly isolated, keeping herself away from any relationships or entanglements that could ruin her chance at permanent custody.

Then there is Frank, the young trooper that responded to a call of suspected domestic violence but was forced to leave when the woman in question didn’t press charges. Three weeks later, the young woman was dead, pulled from the dark water of the lake with his very hands. His attraction to the waitress at The Lake Pub becomes more when he learns Lacy is the deceased woman’s sister. Determined to protect Lacy and Andy where he failed before, he earns their trust. But there was a little something he didn’t plan on–falling in love with Lacy along the way.

As with In Two Weeks, there is a murder/mystery going on, and the conflict will keep you on your toes! The entire story is beautifully plotted, and all of those little details that seem trivial will come together at the end.

I loved Dark Water, and hope that Ms. Holbrook will continue sharing her super sexy state troopers with us. If you haven’t met them yet, you really should. You won’t be disappointed.

RATING EXPLANATION:

1 Star— At this time, we at LASR do not post these reviews. If the book was boring, badly edited, poorly written, had little or no plot, stilted dialogue, and/or unsympathetic characters, we will decline the review.

2 Stars— Not wonderful, but tolerable. There may be some minor editing glitches but not enough to stop you reading. Not a wall-banger, but nothing you'd re-read. This is a book you would borrow from the library - not buy - and never check out again.

3 Stars— Good. Mostly enjoyable. You made it through and didn't consider it a waste of time or money. The story was strong enough or the conflict tight enough, so even when the book faltered, it was able to draw you back in and keep you. There's a chance you'll recommend it to a friend, but it wouldn't go on your keeper shelf.

4 Stars— Very Good. You're glad you were the one who got to review the book. You would probably buy it and would definitely recommend it to your friends. You liked the characters and the plot. The writing style was good and the editing clean.

5 Stars— Great! You would definitely buy this book. You would definitely recommend it to your friends. You really loved the characters and the plot and would consider looking for this authors back list or making her an autobuy. The writing and editing were superb.

LASR Best Book - For a book or story that is truly exceptional. You think about it when you're not reading it. You wonder what happens to the characters when you finish. You would absolutely buy everything else this author had to offer. The highest praise - and reserved for only a few.

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